The Cowboys are picking up steam. Led by quarterback Brett Smith’s season-high 374 yards and four touchdown passes, Wyoming fended off a spirited third quarter rally by New Mexico to prevail 28-23. The win means the Cowboys have put together a two-game win streak for the first time this season. Too little, too late though. The best they can hope for now is a strong finish with a win against UNLV this week, and then an upset against the Aztecs – who are playing for a share of the league title.

7 -- Colorado State (3-7, 2-4)

Previous ranking: 9

The Rams’ defense came up big in their 33-11 win over UNLV. Colorado State forced four turnovers and held the Rebels to 219 total yards. So after a rough year, the Rams have finally found some momentum, and have won two out of their last three games, win both wins coming at home. Not bad for a team that lost six-straight earlier this year. That winning streak gets a huge dose of reality this week though as the Rams travel to face Boise State’s impenetrable defense.

8 -- New Mexico (4-7, 1-5)

Previous ranking: 7

The Lobos came within one score of catching Wyoming in the third quarter last week, then, the Cowboys pulled away and left New Mexico with its fourth consecutive defeat. The Lobos now turn their efforts toward pitching an upset against Nevada. But even if things don’t go well against the Wolf Pack, New Mexico can hold its head high in the knowledge that it has already exceeded expectations this season.

9 -- UNLV (2-9, 2-4)

Previous ranking: 7

Almost, but not quite. That’s been the theme of the Rebels’ season. This team started the year hanging tough with opponents, losing by slim margins and always putting up a fight. Against Colorado State, however, the fight seemed to drain out of the Rebels as the Rams’ defense overpowered them and forced four turnovers. UNLV did not score until the third quarter. Still, the Rebels’ final two games come against beatable teams – Wyoming and Hawaii – and if UNLV can get back to mid-season form, it could finish out the year on a high note.

10 -- Hawaii (1-8, 0-6)

Previous ranking: 10

It’s no secret that Hawaii’s season has been over for weeks now. The Warriors’ latest thumping came at the hands of Boise State. Mercifully, the worst is over. Hawaii will travel to Air Force this Friday before rounding out the year with games against UNLV and South Alabama. We don’t expect any sort of upset, but if the Warriors could at least play their final opponents close, that would mark progress in itself.